"The purpose of the profiling was to identify the determinant factors of street begging," Dr Koroivueta said.

"We have categorised them and, in fact, more than 50 per cent of them are from Saint Giles Hospital. Some of the beggars who are mentally-challenged have been rejected by their families."

Dr Koroivueta said the taskforce was determined to look for a proper rehabilitation facility where the mentally-challenged and homeless could be cared for and provided with food, medical care and treatment.

"Following the profiling exercise, some of the beggars who didn't have a place to stay have been placed in HART homes and Saint Vincent De Paul home.

"Some NGOs have shown goodwill to help out where there is a need."

Dr Koroivueta said there are also plans to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for able-bodied beggars.

"It is seen that some of them resort to begging to buy food and pay rent.